Gessler Corner: Osteoarthritis Affects Knees, Hips and Fingers

Sunday

Mar 3, 2013 at 3:48 AM

The leading type of arthritis in the United States is known as osteoarthritis. This is the arthritis that affects knees, hips and fingers. It is the most prevalent of all the type of arthritis in the United States, affecting more than 20 million people.

By GORDON J. RAFOOL

The leading type of arthritis in the United States is known as osteoarthritis. This is the arthritis that affects knees, hips and fingers. It is the most prevalent of all the type of arthritis in the United States, affecting more than 20 million people.It affects the cartilage that protects and cushions joints, most often hips and knees.Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of knee joint replacement and disability in the United States. By its very nature, osteoarthritis destroys the joint. A recent study shows that persons who lose weight can expect significant relief in the arthritis of their knees. One study suggests that each pound lost unloads four pounds of joint stress to a knee. This may not seem like very much reduction, but if a person calculates this out in pounds per mile walked, that equates to approximately 4,800 pounds of less stress to a knee. If a person loses 10 pounds, that would work out to approximately 48,000 pounds less in compressive load per mile walked. It can quickly be seen that the less load a knee carries, the longer that knee will be preserved.It goes without saying that the more weight a person carries, the greater the risk, not only for osteoarthritis destruction, but of multisystem problems.If a person is active and keeps their weight at an ideal number, then it can be expected that they will not only prevent joint disease, but will live longer and healthier. It is very important that anyone with arthritis see their doctor for a complete evaluation. Today there are many treatments available that can provide the patient a better and longer life.

Dr. Gordon J. Rafool is a specialist in Family Practice and Geriatrics at Gessler Clinic, Winter Haven.